I spent most of last week at the cabin doing yard work and relaxing. When I arrived, I was greeted by a large pine tree that had fallen across the driveway. After driving for 5 1/2 hours, I wasn’t all that excited about spending time playing lumberjack. Although the weather cooperated; it was windy, which helped keep the mosquitoes at bay. I slept in on Sunday morning and was surprised to see that the sun was hiding behind the clouds and the wind was still going strong. It cooled down, so it seemed like a good day to relax, sip some coffee and write my column.
When people ask who went with me, I say that I was up there with my friends. (That would be me.) I do enjoy some alone time at the cabin. It gives me time to relax and get some things done around there. It gets harder and harder for me to mow, so I have to take a few more breaks these days, but I still manage to get the job done.
My sons and some of the grandkids still come up here with me, but not like when they were younger. I enjoyed it when the grandsons came up here with me. I am glad that the lake held enough fish for them to enjoy their time here. There are times when I can almost hear them yelling excitedly for Grandpa to see the fish that they caught. I occasionally come across a picture of the boys learning how to clean fish. Those are some of the many memories of spending time with them that I will always cherish. It makes me feel good to know that all of my grandkids have an appreciation of nature in one form or another.
The birds are at the feeders, and it did not take the hummingbirds long to realize that I had filled their feeder. I always like to watch the birds, whether they are at the feeder or in the trees chirping away. My hummingbird feeder is falling apart, but I was able to McGuyer it, so that it will work for now. Another item for the cabin to-buy list. When I finish this column, I hope to find time to a little fishing.
I did spot various road-killed deer on the drive up. Luckily, I was not involved in any of those encounters. The deer are plentiful this year, which may be attributed to the mild winter. On my way to Bigfork, I came upon a grouse feeding on what I assume was grain spilled alongside the road. I found it odd to see a grouse out in the open like that.
For many years, I was obsessed with fishing. I guess that I still am, in a more laid-back way. When we would go camping, I always made sure that there were fishing poles along just in case there was water nearby. Now when I go to the cabin, fishing is always on my mind, but just being “up north” enjoying my time in the woods is what really matters most.
Until next time: It sounds like the Take a Kid Fishing event was a success again this year. The Fountain Lake Sportsman Club, Albert Lea Anglers and the DNR did another good job of putting this on. Getting kids involved in fishing and the outdoors is important in preserving our outdoors heritage for future generations. Thank you to all who made this possible.
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